European markets were weaker in morning trading, pulled lower by disappointing earnings and caution ahead of eurozone industrial production figures due later.

Asian markets also ended weaker. Japan's Nikkei closed 0.6% lower as the yen firmed against the dollar on divisions in parliament over the appointment of the new Bank of Japan governor. The Shanghai Composite and Hong Kong's Hang Seng fell on reports of further measures to curb inflation, in particular in the property sector.